JAMES CITY COUNTY — James City County Fire Department responded to an underground fire at Williamsburg Premium Outlets Saturday morning.
According to the county, units responded at approximately 9 a.m. on Nov. 23, arriving to find the parking lot behind the stores partially collapsed and an active fire in the underground stormwater detention facility.
Out of an abundance of caution and smoke, area businesses were evacuated, the county said.
A message on the Williamsburg Premium Outlets website Saturday evening said all retail stores would be open for business on Sunday during normal operating hours.
As of Sunday morning, the county said the fire continues to burn, and smoke has increased. Nearby businesses had reopened, however, and nearby Williamsburg Park Memorial Cemetary was not in danger.
Responding to a question on Facebook, the county stressed that the detention are was only under the rear parking lot and not any of the store.
Firefighters remain on the scene and are working to cool down the area to keep the smoke down as much as possible, the county said, adding that the situation is ongoing and the public should consider avoiding the area if they have respiratory problems.
